With two guest verses, a real singer on the hook and an outside producer crafting the track, there are so many places “Play That Record” could go wrong. Thankfully 40 Glocc’s latest is a perfect example of five A-Games locked together for a common purpose. As was evident on Emilio Rojas’ “Rise Above”, Racq Dolo can shine on a hook, making it memorable after one listen without stealing the track. Producer Cardiak doesn’t just hold fast with the signature components that made bangers out of 50 Cent’s “Outlaw” and Lloyd Banks’ “Check Me Out”, but instead ups the ante by piling on the layers and blowing up the start of the verses with bigger synths which are then knocked aside by live untreated drums. (And since this is a Mobb track at heart, the end tom fills are also nice callback to “Flood The Block”) But what matters most is the rapping and “Play That Record” shows how “Big Bad 40” is at his strongest when acting as the centerpiece of a trio that draws more on East Coast raw than West Coast slick. He has the same dynamic with P and Havoc that he had with the Zoo Crew on forgotten gems like “Bring It Ruff,” holding down that all important second verse; smooth enough to keep the song from dipping after the handoff and strong enough to not get upstaged by the final 16 (even more admirable when it turns out to be Prodigy). What you come away with is a track that is simultaneously commercial and street; synthetic and grimy. The best parts of Murda Muzik meeting all the redeeming qualities of the G-Unit empire. Wasn’t that what Blood Money was supposed to be? – Courtesy of hiphopdx.com

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Queens rap duo Mobb Deep have announced that Prodigy will be working on an untitled album with producer The Alchemist. While the group offered little details about the album, reps for the rappers said The Alchemist would be responsible for all of the production, in addition to securing the guest releases. The news of the collaboration with Mobb Deep and The Alchemist marks the start of a busy release schedule for the group’s label, Infamous Records. The label is preparing a new album by Prodigy, in addition to Mobb Deep’s untitled 9th album. Prodigy is also working on his second book since releasing his controversial memoirs “My Infamous Life.” Prodigy’s album is due in stores before the Summer of 2012, while his untitled second book in early 2012. Mobb Deep’s new Mixtape We Run This Vol. 6 is in stores now.